Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel joined elite company in Minnesota’s 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Van Ginkel tallied five total tackles and two sacks in the three-point win. The performance brought his season-long totals to 69 tackles, 10 sacks, two interceptions and five pass deflections.
With those numbers, the former Badger star became the second player since 1982 to record at least 10 sacks and two pick-sixes in a single season. The other — Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor with the Miami Dolphins in 2006.
10+ sacks
2+ Pick 6s@AndrewVanGinkel is the 2nd player since 1982 to hit the mark.#ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/oWxxtPCVeX— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 22, 2024
Van Ginkel’s first sack arrived on 3rd-and-11 with Seattle attempting to morph a 20-17 deficit into a late edge. After Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith dropped back to pass, the former Badger took little time to get to the pass-thrower to force a six-yard loss.
The second sack quickly followed. On a first-down play at Minnesota’s 43-yard line, Smith scrambled to the right hash before being brought down by Van Ginkel for another six-yard loss. Seattle missed a field goal attempt on that possession before later coughing up an interception in the final sequence.
The former Badger received a substantial payday from the Vikings this offseason. He’s lived up to the contract and then some, and is now joining rare company.